Consumer Services

Rain Barrel Workshops: Conserve Water and Save Money

• Water conservation in Miami-Dade plays a big part in going green. How does the Rain Barrel Workshop fit into the "going green" phenomenon?
• Does the rain barrel save you money?
• Does the rain barrel contribute to a cleaner environment?
• How do people go about obtaining and setting up a rain barrel?

Water conservation in Miami-Dade plays a big part in going green. How does the Rain Barrel Workshop fit into the "going green" phenomenon?

South Florida is no stranger to prolonged dry spells. In fact, we are currently under water-use restrictions due to rainfall shortage, and the South Florida Water Management District is considering imposing year-round watering restrictions.

The dry season begins in November and ends with the start of the wet season, typically in June. However, when it does rain, it usually pours. The annual average rainfall in South Florida ranges from about 60 inches. A rain barrel is an inexpensive means of capturing and storing some of this water for later use.
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Does the rain barrel save you money?

Rain barrels provide residents with a free supply of non-chlorinated soft water for irrigating their landscape. They don't have to worry about imposed water-use restrictions, and they are not running up their water bill.

The barrels hold 55 gallons of water, and they provide enough water to cover a 240 square-foot garden space. That translates to big savings because lawn and garden irrigation can make up 40% of total household water use in the summer.
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Does the rain barrel contribute to a cleaner environment?

Yes. By capturing rain water from your gutters, it helps reduce storm water runoff, which carries fertilizers and other chemicals into local waterways.
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How do people go about obtaining and setting up a rain barrel?

The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, which is a partnership of the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department and the University of Florida, offers a series of Rain Barrel Workshops. Attendees learn how to construct and install a rain barrel.

The workshops are held almost every month. Residents who want to sign up for the workshop can call Cooperative Extension at 305-248-3311 or visit the website:
 http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/natural_resources.shtml
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Back to Top Page Last Edited: Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:12:48 PM